About Us

About Papillon

Papillon du thé is the creation of Sri Lankan German designer and gallerist Saskia Fernando. Saskia’s designs are created ethically in workshops across the island. As an ode to the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, each jewellery piece is handmade and supports artisans whose skill has been handed down over generations. Many of the pieces are one-of-a-kind, and combine contrasting colours and shapes of stones.

‘I collect gemstones when I travel and from various sources in Sri Lanka. I only make just a few of each jewellery piece I design. I move between statement jewellery to delicate pieces you can wear everyday; it means that Papillon du thé becomes an eclectic mix of different styles that most women can relate to.’

Papillon du thé translates into the ‘butterfly of tea’, a name given to her once by a poet in reference to the designers Sri Lankan roots and the island’s famed tea plantations. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Saskia first began working with artists and artisans through Paradise Road – her family owned lifestyle and hospitality brand. In 2009 she established Sri Lanka’s first freestanding art gallery that represents the leading contemporary artists belonging to the local scene.